Fresh, first, funded

The Minister of Research, Science and Technology, the Hon Dr Wayne Mapp, recently announced Fresh Direct as the first voucher recipient, an investment worth $190,000. IRL is one of six Accredited Research Organisations for the first phase of the TTV scheme.

“This is a text book example of how R&D can help a business gain a competitive edge. By using technologically advanced machinery to handle vegetables, Fresh Direct will be able to increase productivity and reduce wastage,” Dr Mapp said.

“Science and innovation underpins economic growth. We need to lift the number of businesses that are keen to invest in R&D because it will support their growth. Technology Transfer Vouchers will encourage businesses to make R&D a funding priority.”

The TTV scheme, administered by the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology, was established to help businesses get access to the research knowledge and expertise needed to realise a good business idea, paying 50% of the cost of the R&D on a project. The first phase is aimed at businesses in the high-tech manufacturing sector.

IRL’s TTV Programme Manager David Archibald described Fresh Direct as a worthy recipient of the voucher.

“We are pleased with the introduction of the TechNZ Technology Transfer Vouchers. They allow us to help Industry with product development, productivity improvements and cost reductions in ways that we have not been able to address under other funding regimes. We look forward to helping Fresh Direct and many other companies through this scheme.”

Fresh Direct management have stressed the importance of this type of partnership and investment as a “key to a sustainable and prosperous future for New Zealand agriculture”.

IRL recently launched its own programme to help businesses improve their up-take of R&D. The Co-Investment Programme will help nine companies get products to market faster and with much lower development costs by matching their contributions dollar for dollar.

That scheme follows on from IRL’s successful $1 million R&D competition – What’s Your Problem New Zealand?